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The Nile Basin, covering one-tenth of the African continent and home to nearly 300 million people, is abundant with natural resources like lakes, wetlands, and biodiversity.
The Nile River stretches across multiple countries, including Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and more, making cooperation essential to ensure the sustainable use of its water resources. However, the basin faces numerous challenges, from water, food, and energy insecurity to political tensions and climate change impacts.
Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among the riparian countries, and that's where the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) comes into play. Formed in 1999 by the 10 riparian countries (with Eritrea as an observer), the NBI aims to strengthen cooperation in managing and sharing the Nile Basin's water resources.
Yet, the region's rapid population growth, urbanisation, and political conflicts, exacerbated by climate change, continue to stress the basin's socio-economic security in water, energy, and food. Demographic changes, economic development, and international trade will further increase the demand for fresh water, energy, and food resources.
Consequently, water shortages will pose a significant constraint on countries' development plans, affecting not only the blue economy but various economic sectors. Environmental concerns also loom large, as critical ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity face the risk of extinction.
To mitigate these challenges, riparian countries must engage in dialogue and hydro-diplomacy to promote trust, confidence, and cooperation. Transboundary collaboration should leverage secure water resources while safeguarding the environment, but suspicions, politics, and tensions among the basin states often hinder progress.
The key to success lies in candid discussions about resource sharing and finding a balance between competing interests in the basin. Opportunities, synergies, and trade-offs must be identified.
Collaboration between upstream and downstream countries is essential, as seen in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi's joint development of the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric project. Leveraging green energy transition and building community resilience through a nature-based approach can pave the way for sustainability.
Efficient use of basin resources must focus on achieving climate neutrality, biodiversity conservation, and pollution reduction.
By embracing a climate - water - energy - food nexus and turning environmental challenges into opportunities, the Nile Basin can become a model for sustainable and harmonious development in the region. With a united front and shared benefits, the Nile Basin can thrive, providing a better future for all its inhabitants.
Dr Isaac Alukwe is the Regional Coordinator, Nile Basin Initiative/Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme-Coordination Unit, Kigali, Rwanda
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